HARTFORD, CT – Today, the state Senate passed legislation by a bipartisan 31-4 vote which will require nursing homes to increase their staffing transparency and ensure their residents receive quality care. State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) endorsed its passing. The state Senate Democratic Caucus proposed the concept as part of its 2019 agenda.

“We know that increasing staffing levels at nursing homes will positively impact the care residents receive and job satisfaction for nurses,” said Sen. Maroney. “Our state’s nurses need relief from the long work hours that can impair their ability to provide the best care to our loved ones and family members. This legislation will provide peace of mind to Connecticut families that their loved ones are receiving the best care and will ensure we are not running our state’s nurses, who sacrifice so much to care for our loved ones, into the ground.”

Senate Bill No. 375, “An Act Concerning Nursing Home Staffing Levels,” is designed to ensure nursing home residents receive adequate care. It requires these homes to calculate and post information about the total number of nurses and nursing aides who directly work with patients, the minimum number of staff required for each shift, the total number of residents at the home, details on reporting a potential violation, and other pertinent information. That information must be retained for 18 months.

If a nursing home violates patient care or nursing staff levels, this legislation allows the Department of Public Health to potentially take disciplinary action against the home. It additionally protects employees and residents who report suspected violations or works with investigators and makes homes liable for damages to employees or residents who would be retaliated against.
The Department of Public Health reported 247 incidents caused by lapses of care in nursing homes between 2015 and 2018. Not every incident is reported. Senate President Martin Looney testified that the bill’s ensuring transparent reporting of direct care nursing staff levels will additionally allow residents’ family members to be assured their loved ones are receiving appropriate care.

Prior to its approval by the state Senate, this legislation passed the Public Health Committee by a 14-11 vote. It will now move to the state House of Representatives for further action.